In our society, we are often programmed from a very young age to avoid talking to strangers. As we grow and mature, we begin to realize that not every unfamiliar person is a threat or danger to us. Despite this understanding, I often feel like it’s rather commonplace for humans to look right through one another. Do we even really notice the clerk ringing up our groceries? Do we acknowledge the trash collector who faithfully shows up every Wednesday to haul away our rubbish? Do we know the name of the friendly postal clerk who diligently sorts and processes our mail from behind the counter? The coronavirus has dramatically impacted our collective degrees of separation from many of the people we know and love. Even more so, the virus has reinforced the practice of staying in our “pods” and staying clear of humans we don’t know. There is also the technology effect to consider. We may simply not acknowledge others because mobile phone behavior has become so ubiquitous. Most communication experts identify 2010 as the year that we stopped talking. From June 2009 to June 2010, subscribers sent 1.8 billion text messages (more than a 30% increase from the previous year) and 56.3 billion multimedia messages (up 187% from the year prior). Prolonged and continual connectivity doesn’t always equal authentic connection. In fact, I would argue that it often has the opposite effect. The impact of always being linked to a phone, tablet, PC, video game, podcast, headphones, etc… can severely limit our ability to scan our environment and notice the people around us.
So now it’s time for some really important questions. What can we do to be more intentional about noticing those around us? How can we demonstrate gratitude towards society, the environment, and people we don’t know? I’m ready to share some ideas, and I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Grab a coffee or your favorite snack and reflect on what actions you are committed to taking. The world is crying out for the unique gifts that only you can offer.
1
Put away runaway shopping carts in the grocery store parking lot.
2
Clean off your gym equipment after use.
3
Wear a mask.
4
Pay for the person’s coffee behind you.
5
Smile and say “hello” or “good morning” to strangers you come across on the street.
6
Let another driver merge into your lane kindly.
7
Keep a box of granola bars in your car to give to those who look hungry.
8
Leave a good review of a business.
9
Voluteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.
10
Pick up any trash you see.
11
Always give someone the benefit of the doubt.
12
Hold the door open for others.
13
Ask the cashier how their day is going.
14
Make eye contact.
15
Thank people genuinely, not out of habit or obligation.
16
Strike up a conversation with a stranger that looks lonely.
17
When mowing your lawn, offer to mow your neighbors lawn, too.
18
Help promote someone’s small business or blog (*wink*)
M
MINDSET
Fixate your mindset on the principle of “what’s in it for them?”
A
APPLICATION
Consider taking 3-5 minutes to write down ten ways that expressing care and engaging in actions of gratitude will add value to the world.
P
PRODUCTION
Create a “gratitude towards others” calendar for the next seven days. Choose one kind act that you intend to implement on a daily basis towards someone you love during the upcoming week.
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